Lowering 1972 Stepside - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

JIMS1972STEPSIDE · 02-26-2006, 12:32 AM

Well I got the new springs and shocks into the 72 stepside, and I bought the 3 inch and 5 inch lowering kit with shocks from Brothers, but the question I have is that the front dropped 3 inches from 31 inches to 28 inches at the wheelwell but the back only dropped 2.5 inches from 32.5 to 30 inches, I wanted to be level all around, I didnt get the 5 inch drop at the rear, am I missing something? I am running P265-50R15 in front and P275-50R15 in the rear.

Here's a few picks
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...72stepside.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2.../RFspindle.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...indleshock.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...erlowering.jpg

paintpyro · 02-26-2006, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMS1972STEPSIDE

Well I got the new springs and shocks into the 72 stepside, and I bought the 3 inch and 5 inch lowering kit with shocks from Brothers, but the question I have is that the front dropped 3 inches from 31 inches to 28 inches at the wheelwell but the back only dropped 2.5 inches from 32.5 to 30 inches, I wanted to be level all around, I didint get the 5 inch drop at the rear, am I missing something?

Here's a few picks
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...72stepside.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2.../RFspindle.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...indleshock.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...erlowering.jpg

One thing to remember is that your truck is 35 years old,and your rear springs probably were too. Replacing sagging springs won't give you a full 5" drop. However, drive it a bit, they'll settle a little.

randomhero472 · 02-26-2006, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMS1972STEPSIDE

Well I got the new springs and shocks into the 72 stepside, and I bought the 3 inch and 5 inch lowering kit with shocks from Brothers, but the question I have is that the front dropped 3 inches from 31 inches to 28 inches at the wheelwell but the back only dropped 2.5 inches from 32.5 to 30 inches, I wanted to be level all around, I didint get the 5 inch drop at the rear, am I missing something?

Here's a few picks
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...72stepside.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2.../RFspindle.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...indleshock.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...erlowering.jpg

looks good, what size wheel/tire are you running?

Rollie396 · 02-26-2006, 03:50 AM

I suppose there's the option of drop blocks in the back.
Very nice truck BTW!!

JIMS1972STEPSIDE · 02-26-2006, 11:43 AM

I forgot to say I have coils all the way around, and I called Brothers yesterday but they were already closed for the day. I hope to gain about an inch or two in drop at the rear, any options?

70c10 · 02-26-2006, 12:31 PM

I just installed 4" rear springs and mine only dropped about 2". Actually one dropped more than the other but I haven't driven it yet.

matthufham · 02-26-2006, 01:43 PM

well level means you need to go down 2 inches in the rear. pick up a set of lowering blocks for the rear, easy 2 inches. on a side note, thats a real nice truck. what's the % of window tint all the way around? and also is that an all steel/chromed out grill, or a stock kind without black paint around the headlights? and one more question, what color is that? i'm going with viper red, but i want less orange, more red like your truck.

JIMS1972STEPSIDE · 02-26-2006, 02:36 PM

Hi, thanks for the nice comments, the truck was repainted I think the same color, whatever it is and the side, rear and half the windshield were tinted, looks like the maximum allowed by law, the grill is original but is dented and broken so I will replace the inner, outer and h/l bezels. A question on the lowering block though as I have coil spings in the rear, how do you get them lower, clamps, blocks? Dont want to heat them, But I will ask Brothers in the morning as to what happened with my 5 inch drop that I didn't get in the rear.

72LoBurb · 02-26-2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIMS1972STEPSIDE

... A question on the lowering block though as I have coil spings in the rear, how do you get them lower, clamps, blocks? Dont want to heat them, But I will ask Brothers in the morning as to what happened with my 5 inch drop that I didn't get in the rear.

A lowering block will go between the rear diff and the trailing arm, raising the rear diff

matthufham · 02-26-2006, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 72LoBurb

A lowering block will go between the rear diff and the trailing arm, raising the rear diff

well slightly like that. where the trailing arm meets the axle tubes, you space it 2 inches with the block so it lowers the truck down, not really moving the differential.

Premium72 · 02-26-2006, 07:31 PM

your springs will "settle" as you put some wear on them..give it some time..truck looks good. although you did install the spring backwards from what i have always seen. never pulled the rear of the a-arm off just the front..oh well. nice ride.

JIMS1972STEPSIDE · 02-26-2006, 08:51 PM

I did as the book said in fact didn't even use the spring compressor as I lowered the lower arm with a small jack till all tension was off the spring, then it "just fell out" easier than I thought, about 2 and one-half hours work, not bad for someone that hasn't done any serious wrenching in 20 years

Oh and using Liquid Wrench ahead of time really helped, must be getting wiser

JIMS1972STEPSIDE · 02-27-2006, 08:07 PM

Well I talked to Brothers today and they were not sure why I did not get a 5 inch drop on the rear so I ordered some lowering blocks ( 2 inch ) and will install them later this week. Pics to follow.

glberen · 02-27-2006, 10:27 PM

where's the cheapest place to get lowering blocks? 70-80 (or more) seem kind of expensive for what they are. Our local Pep Boys has lowering blocks for like $20-$25 - but the packaging says they are for leaf springs, not coil. Is there any difference between the blocks for coil and leaf?

thanks.

71SWBChevy · 02-27-2006, 10:48 PM

I can't answer your question man but that is one sweet looking steeper and I am a fleetside man myself. Good luck leveling her out!

Tx Firefighter · 02-27-2006, 10:58 PM

Yes, there is a big difference between leaf and coil lowering blocks.

The coil blocks are much larger and the u-bolts are also much larger.

Do a search under my name, I build my own lowering blocks for coil spring trucks. I've posted pictures of them.

JIMS1972STEPSIDE · 02-28-2006, 12:55 PM

Yea, Brothers like I said wasn't quite sure why I did not get the drop I was looking for but will give me a bit off the retail price on the lowering blocks, so I will get them in this week.

02-26-2006, 12:32 AM	#1
JIMS1972STEPSIDE Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SPARKS Posts: 62	Lowering 1972 Stepside Well I got the new springs and shocks into the 72 stepside, and I bought the 3 inch and 5 inch lowering kit with shocks from Brothers, but the question I have is that the front dropped 3 inches from 31 inches to 28 inches at the wheelwell but the back only dropped 2.5 inches from 32.5 to 30 inches, I wanted to be level all around, I didnt get the 5 inch drop at the rear, am I missing something? I am running P265-50R15 in front and P275-50R15 in the rear. Here's a few picks http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...72stepside.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2.../RFspindle.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...indleshock.jpg http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...erlowering.jpg __________________ 1970 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE AUTO 1971 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE 4 SPEED 1972 RED C-10 STEPSIDE 3 SPEED 1985 WHITE S-10 BLAZER AUTO 1998 WHITE S-10 4WD PICKUP AUTO 2006 SILVER H-D DYNA LOW RIDER Last edited by JIMS1972STEPSIDE; 02-26-2006 at 11:35 AM.

02-26-2006, 03:50 AM	#4
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside I suppose there's the option of drop blocks in the back. Very nice truck BTW!! __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics

02-26-2006, 11:43 AM	#5
JIMS1972STEPSIDE Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SPARKS Posts: 62	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside I forgot to say I have coils all the way around, and I called Brothers yesterday but they were already closed for the day. I hope to gain about an inch or two in drop at the rear, any options? __________________ 1970 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE AUTO 1971 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE 4 SPEED 1972 RED C-10 STEPSIDE 3 SPEED 1985 WHITE S-10 BLAZER AUTO 1998 WHITE S-10 4WD PICKUP AUTO 2006 SILVER H-D DYNA LOW RIDER

02-26-2006, 12:31 PM	#6
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside I just installed 4" rear springs and mine only dropped about 2". Actually one dropped more than the other but I haven't driven it yet. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

02-26-2006, 01:43 PM	#7
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside well level means you need to go down 2 inches in the rear. pick up a set of lowering blocks for the rear, easy 2 inches. on a side note, thats a real nice truck. what's the % of window tint all the way around? and also is that an all steel/chromed out grill, or a stock kind without black paint around the headlights? and one more question, what color is that? i'm going with viper red, but i want less orange, more red like your truck.

02-26-2006, 02:36 PM	#8
JIMS1972STEPSIDE Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SPARKS Posts: 62	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside Hi, thanks for the nice comments, the truck was repainted I think the same color, whatever it is and the side, rear and half the windshield were tinted, looks like the maximum allowed by law, the grill is original but is dented and broken so I will replace the inner, outer and h/l bezels. A question on the lowering block though as I have coil spings in the rear, how do you get them lower, clamps, blocks? Dont want to heat them, But I will ask Brothers in the morning as to what happened with my 5 inch drop that I didn't get in the rear. __________________ 1970 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE AUTO 1971 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE 4 SPEED 1972 RED C-10 STEPSIDE 3 SPEED 1985 WHITE S-10 BLAZER AUTO 1998 WHITE S-10 4WD PICKUP AUTO 2006 SILVER H-D DYNA LOW RIDER

02-26-2006, 07:31 PM	#11
Premium72 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Villa Rica Ga Posts: 889	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside your springs will "settle" as you put some wear on them..give it some time..truck looks good. although you did install the spring backwards from what i have always seen. never pulled the rear of the a-arm off just the front..oh well. nice ride.

02-26-2006, 08:51 PM	#12
JIMS1972STEPSIDE Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SPARKS Posts: 62	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside I did as the book said in fact didn't even use the spring compressor as I lowered the lower arm with a small jack till all tension was off the spring, then it "just fell out" easier than I thought, about 2 and one-half hours work, not bad for someone that hasn't done any serious wrenching in 20 years Oh and using Liquid Wrench ahead of time really helped, must be getting wiser __________________ 1970 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE AUTO 1971 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE 4 SPEED 1972 RED C-10 STEPSIDE 3 SPEED 1985 WHITE S-10 BLAZER AUTO 1998 WHITE S-10 4WD PICKUP AUTO 2006 SILVER H-D DYNA LOW RIDER

02-27-2006, 08:07 PM	#13
JIMS1972STEPSIDE Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SPARKS Posts: 62	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside Well I talked to Brothers today and they were not sure why I did not get a 5 inch drop on the rear so I ordered some lowering blocks ( 2 inch ) and will install them later this week. Pics to follow. __________________ 1970 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE AUTO 1971 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE 4 SPEED 1972 RED C-10 STEPSIDE 3 SPEED 1985 WHITE S-10 BLAZER AUTO 1998 WHITE S-10 4WD PICKUP AUTO 2006 SILVER H-D DYNA LOW RIDER

02-27-2006, 10:27 PM	#14
glberen Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denton, Tx Posts: 7	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside where's the cheapest place to get lowering blocks? 70-80 (or more) seem kind of expensive for what they are. Our local Pep Boys has lowering blocks for like $20-$25 - but the packaging says they are for leaf springs, not coil. Is there any difference between the blocks for coil and leaf? thanks.

02-27-2006, 10:48 PM	#15
71SWBChevy Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Owensboro KY Posts: 11,905	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside I can't answer your question man but that is one sweet looking steeper and I am a fleetside man myself. Good luck leveling her out! __________________ Drew '71 Chevy 350/TH350 Hugger Orange Currently just a rolling frame, body work soon to follow!!! Check out my Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212927 Daily Driver: 1997 Chevrolet S-10 with more gears than pistons

02-27-2006, 10:58 PM	#16
Tx Firefighter Watch out for your cornhole ! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Azle, Texas Posts: 14,162	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside Yes, there is a big difference between leaf and coil lowering blocks. The coil blocks are much larger and the u-bolts are also much larger. Do a search under my name, I build my own lowering blocks for coil spring trucks. I've posted pictures of them. __________________ I'm on the Instagram- @Gearhead_Kevin

02-28-2006, 12:55 PM	#17
JIMS1972STEPSIDE Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: SPARKS Posts: 62	Re: Lowering 1972 Stepside Yea, Brothers like I said wasn't quite sure why I did not get the drop I was looking for but will give me a bit off the retail price on the lowering blocks, so I will get them in this week. __________________ 1970 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE AUTO 1971 SILVER CORVETTE COUPE 4 SPEED 1972 RED C-10 STEPSIDE 3 SPEED 1985 WHITE S-10 BLAZER AUTO 1998 WHITE S-10 4WD PICKUP AUTO 2006 SILVER H-D DYNA LOW RIDER



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